Improved car-coupling



J. SWAN.

Car Coupling. No. 70,131. Patented 00:; 2.2, 1867.

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JOHN SWAN, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

IMPROVED CAR-COUPLING.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 70,13l. dated October 22, 1867.

State of Maryland, have invented certain newand useful Improvements in (Jar-Couplers;

and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

In the annexed drawings, making part of this specification, A A represent the drawhead of a railroad-car, which may be constructed in any of the usual ways, except that it is provided with a slot in its top and bottom for the pin or trigger to Work in. 0 represents the pin or trigger, which is made in the form represented, or substantially that form, and pivoted in the slot in the top of the draw-head, as seen at a. This pin or trigger is made long enough to have its lower end extend through the slot in the bottom of the draw-head, so that it will have a bearing against the forward end of this slot.

The upper end of the trigger is provided with two ears, and between these ears is pivoted or hinged one end of a bar, D. The other end of said bar is loose or free, and may be allowed to lie upon the top of the drawhead, as seen in Figure 1, or thrown over its front end, as seen in Fig. 3.

When the bar D is thrown over the frontof the draw-head, resting upon it as seen in Fig. 3, it counterbalances the weight of the trigger, so as to hold it up in the position represented, so that it will not catch into the link B. When the bar D lies upon the upper side of the draw-head, as seen in Fig. 1, the trigger is down in position to receive and catch the link. The link striking the front edge of the trigger raises its lower end, causing it to partially revolve upon its pivot. As soon as the link has passed the lower point of the trigger said lower point falls and rests against the forward end of the slot, catching and retaining the link. When the link is to be released the operator places his foot upon the bar I), and pushing it endwise toward the forward end of the draw-head causes the trigger to partially revolve, its lower end rising, so as to allow the link to be withdrawn.

This trigger, with its hinged bar, maybe applied to any of the draw-heads now in use by simply slotting them and pivoting the trigger in place.

By these devices I form a very simple and efficient self-coupler.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The draw-head A, as constructed, in combination with the trigger or pin 0, pivoted within or to the said draw-head, and provided with the hinged bar D, the several parts being used and operating as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony that I. claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this 1st day of July, 1867.

JNO. SWAN.

Witnesses:

E. G. HALL, HENRY M. WARFIELD. 

